Freelance Merch Planner

Job Title: Freelance Merch Planner
Location: New York, NY
Type: Contract
Compensation: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Work Model: Hybrid – onsite and remote

Overview

We are seeking a highly analytical and driven Merchandise Planner to join the team. In this role, you will be an embedded quantitative expert within the Merchandise Planning function.

Responsibilities
• Serve as an embedded quantitative expert within the Merchandise Planning function, supporting strategic decision-making and business growth
• Build, maintain, and optimize financial models, Open-to-Buy (OTB) processes, and inventory forecasts to support growth initiatives and mitigate risk
• Conduct deep-dive analyses of weekly, monthly, and quarterly sales trends, margin performance, and inventory health to uncover actionable insights
• Identify opportunities to improve processes by streamlining reporting and developing dashboards that make data more accessible to business partners
• Support cross-functional stakeholders by analyzing pricing scenarios, promotional effectiveness, and broader commercial strategies
• Provide analytical and forecasting support for specific merchandise categories, enhancing overall merchandise planning efficiency

Requirements
• 2–4 years of experience in management consulting, corporate FP&A, investment banking, financial analysis, or business analytics
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, including complex formulas, managing large datasets, and building dynamic financial models
• Proven ability to communicate analytical insights to non-technical stakeholders effectively
• Strong ownership, initiative, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• On-site presence required; experience in retail planning, retail analytics, or specialty retail is preferred but not mandatory for candidates with strong analytical and financial modeling skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working within a tech retail environment or ecommerce platform
• Familiarity with retail management software and inventory management systems
• Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field

Benefits include competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and career growth opportunities.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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Ref: #404-IT Pittsburgh